Europe as a Super-Power

For decades, Europe has relied on the United States for military protection, economic stability, and political leadership. However, recent developments signal a profound shift in global dynamics. The United States, under a trajectory that began with Barack Obama and intensified under Donald Trump, has steadily withdrawn from its role as the "policeman of the world." Today, this disengagement is reaching its climax, leaving Europe with no choice but to take its security into its own hands.

The Shift in American Foreign Policy

The American retreat from global leadership is not solely attributable to Trump; it is the result of a decade-long shift toward isolationism. Even under Joe Biden, who attempted to uphold traditional alliances, the underlying sentiment remained: Why should the U.S. continue to invest resources in maintaining global order when it has enjoyed decades of peace and prosperity at home? Trump’s actions are simply a brutal acceleration of an already established trend, making it clear that Europe can no longer count on America as a steadfast ally.

Americans forget that their desire to police the world isn’t altruism; it’s the foundation of their wealth, as countries at peace have more money to buy Coca-Cola and U.S. weapons, on top of being able to push every deals in the US favor.

What is even more concerning is the new alignment of American leadership. The United States has taken an unprecedented stance, voting alongside Russia and China at the United Nations against the interests of the free world. This represents a historic shift, one that signals the official end of the "Pax Americana" — the 80 years of relative global stability maintained by American military and diplomatic dominance.

Europe’s Wake-Up Call: A Historic Turning Point

With the U.S. abandoning its commitments, Europe faces a stark reality: it must now become a true global power or risk falling into geopolitical irrelevance. This realization has led to an extraordinary response — the European Union has approved an 800-billion-euro plan for military rearmament over the next four years. This unprecedented investment marks the largest military mobilization in European history, comparable in scale to the financial response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A key driver of this transformation is the realization that Europe possesses the economic and demographic strength to secure itself. As former Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk pointed out, it is irrational for 500 million Europeans to depend on 300 million Americans to protect them from 140 million Russians. Economically, the European continent surpasses the United States in GDP, yet it has long underinvested in defense. Trump’s actions have triggered an "electroshock," forcing European leaders to recognize their own strength and act decisively.

France’s Rising Role: The Nuclear Shield of Europe

One of the most significant consequences of this shift is the newfound strategic importance of France. Thanks to Charles de Gaulle’s foresight in securing nuclear independence, France is now in a unique position to become the backbone of European defense. As the primary nuclear power within the EU, France is poised to become Europe’s nuclear shield, filling the void left by the United States.

This shift will also benefit the French defense industry, as European nations seek to replace American military hardware with European-made weaponry. Billions of euros from the rearmament fund are likely to flow into French arms manufacturers, reinforcing France’s status as a military leader on the continent.

Trump’s Strategic Blunders: The Cost for the U.S.

While Trump’s isolationism might seem like a cost-cutting measure for America, it could prove to be a catastrophic strategic mistake. By alienating its allies and aligning itself with dictatorships like Russia and China, the U.S. is undermining its own long-term economic and geopolitical interests. Historically, America’s role as a global leader was not just a moral stance — it was a business model. The stability it provided fueled economic growth and global demand for American products, from Boeing jets to Hollywood films. By abandoning its leadership, the U.S. risks not only losing its geopolitical influence but also its economic dominance.

Furthermore, Trump’s reckless approach to diplomacy—offering concessions to Russia without demands in return — has emboldened adversaries. His administration has proposed lifting sanctions on Russia at a time when the Russian economy is on the brink of collapse. Such a move would inject fresh resources into Putin’s regime, prolonging conflicts and destabilizing global security.

The Looming Threat of War in Europe

The stakes for Europe could not be higher. If Ukraine falls, the consequences will be dire. Russia’s military would absorb Ukrainian forces, growing from 1.3 million to over 2.2 million troops. With control over Ukraine’s vast agricultural and industrial resources, Russia would gain a strategic advantage, enabling it to expand its aggression into Poland, the Baltic states, and beyond.

A failure to contain Russia now could lead to a full-scale European conflict. European leaders now recognize that this is not just Ukraine’s fight — it is a battle for the survival of Europe as a free and independent entity. The decision to invest 800 billion euros in defense is a direct response to this existential threat.

A New Global Order: The End of Western Unity?

As the U.S. distances itself from its democratic allies and aligns with authoritarian regimes, Europe is left to forge a new path. Traditional alliances are being redefined, with countries like Canada, Japan, and Australia seeking closer ties with Europe in response to America’s retreat. Discussions are already underway to establish a new security framework independent of both NATO and the U.S., ensuring that Europe remains a bastion of democracy and stability in an increasingly volatile world.

The crisis also underscores a deeper ideological battle. The world is dividing into two camps: democracies and autocracies. The EU, now the world’s largest democratic economic bloc, must step into the leadership role that America is abandoning.

Conclusion: The Future of Europe and the World

We stand at a historic crossroads. The decline of American leadership marks the end of an era, but it also presents Europe with an opportunity to rise as a global power. The next few years will determine whether Europe can transform itself into a self-sufficient superpower or whether it will remain vulnerable to external threats.

The stakes could not be higher. Europe’s future — and the future of the democratic world — depends on the decisions made today. While the path ahead will be fraught with challenges, one thing is certain: the era of European complacency is over. A new Europe is emerging — strong, independent, and prepared to defend its place in the world.